Chad McCartney

For a team to have success like what the Nipawin Hawks are enjoying right now everyone on the roster has to contribute and Chad McCartney is certainly doing his part.

The 19-year-old winger from Edson, Alta., has more than tripled his output from his rookie season a year ago and recently, the 6-foot-2, 177-pound McCartney has been on a tear resulting in Nipawin extending their streak to 23 games with recording at least one point.

McCartney, who had 10 points in 29 games as a freshman, now has 31 points this year after collecting 13 points in his last eight games. Included in his season totals are three game-winning markers, five power-play tallies and a short-handed effort showing he can be used in any situation.

Since returning from the Christmas break, McCartney has 11 points in six games including one stretch where he picked up seven points in back-to-back nights resulting in him being named the player of the week.

McCartney’s production and endurance are somewhat surprising as the 40 games and 31 points are the most he has put up in the last three years. Prior to joining the Hawks, McCartney spent a season with the Leduc Oil Kings of the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League where in only 27 games he registered 13 points on four goals and nine assists.

The Hawks have surged to the top of the Sherwood Division and overall standings and they will need continued depth production to maintain that level of play. McCartney appears to have answered the call and if he continues to do so, Nipawin should have a lengthy playoff run in their future.